Diplomatic Strains with Venezuela Rise In the Wake of Alleged Ultimatum from Trump to Venezuela's Leader.
Reports suggest that ex-President Donald Trump conveyed a unambiguous message to Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro: relinquish the presidency – and flee the nation – at once.
According to reports, the U.S. leader allegedly held a telephone conversation with his South American counterpart, who is the focus of a prolonged pressure campaign that has included a major naval deployment off Venezuela's northern coast.
"You have the chance to save yourself and those closest to you, but you must exit the nation right away," the U.S. president allegedly stated, promising guaranteed security for Maduro, his spouse and his son "conditional on he consented to resign immediately."
Nonetheless, the Venezuelan leader allegedly refused to step down on the spot and reportedly presented a list of conditions, including global legal immunity and being allowed to give up political control while maintaining control of the military.
New Increase in Long-Running Two-Nation Strain
This development constitutes the latest escalation of tensions between the two countries. On Monday, Trump reportedly convened with his leading foreign policy team to discuss the Venezuela situation, though specifics of that discussion were not revealed.
Salient Elements from the Reported Exchange
- Demand: Immediate departure from power and exile for Maduro and his immediate family.
- Reported Declination: Maduro did not accept the conditions for a swift exit.
- Requests: Sought global amnesty and ongoing authority over the army.
- Wider Situation: This occurs within a broader U.S.-led diplomatic and military push designed to ousting the Venezuelan administration.
Upon being asked about the call, Trump reportedly stating, "I can't say it was successful or poorly, it was a phone call." Not one of the U.S. nor Venezuelan administrations have provided further details about the matters discussed during the extraordinary exchange, which is thought to have taken place in late November.
